Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-07-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Startups are at the forefront of a revolution, harnessing the transformative power of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation like never before. Whether creating images, videos, insights from unstructured data, or better, cheaper new medicines, the potential for groundbreaking solutions is vast.

Recognizing this immense opportunity, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is investing heavily in the generative AI space, providing startups with the crucial resources they need to overcome initial costs and develop and deploy foundational models, fine tune and launch AI applications. These investments are not just fueling the next wave of tech advancements but are also empowering startups to make a significant impact on the future of innovation.

Investing in innovation

AWS has committed $230 million in the form of AWS Credits to accelerate the creation of generative AI applications by startups around the world. This commitment was announced as AWS shared it’s now accepting applications for its Generative AI Accelerator program, aimed to turbocharge the development of new generative AI applications and bring innovations to market faster.

The program won’t just provide funds to budding companies, but also provide technical and business support for early-stage companies using AI and machine learning (ML) technologies to build world-changing products on the AWS cloud.

The AWS Generative AI Accelerator program was the first of its kind and has already seen early success. Last year’s cohort of 21 global startups drove unprecedented innovations in media and entertainment, drug discovery, software engineering and more.

Among these trailblazers, Leonardo.AI has made significant strides with its powerful suite of generative AI tools for creators. The support from AWS enabled Leonardo.AI to scale its platform to meet the rapidly growing demand from a global user community. With AWS’s robust generative AI infrastructure, Leonardo.AI reduced inferencing costs by 60% and accelerated language model inference speeds by up to 35%. For the startup, the accelerator program provided invaluable business and technical mentorship and facilitated crucial connections that helped shape Leonardo.AI’s product and strategy, highlighting the transformative potential of the AWS Accelerator program in paving the future of innovation.

Applications for the second cohort of the AWS Generative AI Accelerator program are now open and will be accepted until July 19. This year’s cohort will admit 80 global early-stage startups using generative AI to solve complex challenges. To qualify for the program, startups must advance generative AI by building foundation models, conducting training and inference proof-of-concepts or deploying Large Language Models (LLMs).

This isn’t the first time the company has supported the growth of startups. Through AWS Activate, the company has provided nearly $1 billion in credits annually to startups to build their solutions with little-to-no upfront costs and supported founders with self-service business and technical content. The AWS Generative AI Accelerator program is a natural extension of the company’s goal of nurturing the next generation of innovators.

Providing resources for AI startup success

The 2024 accelerator will provide each participating startup with up to $1 million in AWS credits to access AWS’s world-class cloud infrastructure technologies. These include computing, storage, databases and the best price-performance ML accelerators, AWS Trainium and AWS Inferentia2.

Startups can also use credits on Amazon SageMaker JumpStart, a fully managed service designed to help companies build and train their own foundational models, as well as on third-party models from leading AI companies through Amazon Bedrock.

Beyond funds, the program also offers startup founders mentorship opportunities. During the 10-week program, participants will be matched with business and technical mentors to help them build, train, test and launch their AI solutions.

“AWS has the right combination of technology and network of partners and potential customers in the life sciences space that made it the best fit to support our vision of building the next generation of AI models for drug discovery,” said Nima Alidoust, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Vevo Therapeutics, one of the 21 companies to join the program in 2023.

The AI-driven biotechnology startup is building the world’s first platform to generate large-scale, high-resolution, single-cell in vivo data. “Participating in the accelerator provided us with valuable opportunities to tap into this community and to leverage AWS’s infrastructure and expertise in scaling model training and development.”

The future of AI is at your fingertips

Do you want to be part of shaping the future of AI? Applications for the program are open today. Selected startups will be announced Sept. 10, 2024, and the program will kick off Oct. 1, 2024, with in-person sessions at Amazon’s HQ1 in Seattle, Washington.

The program will culminate at re:Invent 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where all 80 participants will be invited to attend and join activities, including showcasing their solutions to potential investors, customers, partners and AWS leaders.

To learn more about the opportunities for generative AI startups with AWS and the application process for the AWS Generative AI Accelerator, visit Startups.AWS.

2024-07-11T08:31:00

(BPT) – As a sleep medicine specialist, Dr. Christopher J. Allen knows well the importance of sleep health, which is not only defined by the number of hours the individual sleeps, but also the quality of the sleep and the absence of sleep disorders¹. He regularly sees patients who have conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where obesity can be a significant risk factor. And when it comes to helping those patients address weight challenges, he knows another doctor who comes highly recommended: weight management specialist Dr. Dafina Allen. As a husband-and-wife team, the Allens often share patients between them because of the significant interplay between obesity and sleep health.

OSA is sleep disordered breathing that occurs when the throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking the airway, and it affects more than 54 million Americans². It can lead to drowsiness and fatigue during the day, but can also increase the risk for heart attack, heart failure, stroke and contributes to high blood pressure³. By some estimates, moderate-to-severe OSA can increase mortality risk by 33%⁴. Obesity is a significant risk factor for OSA, occurring in an estimated 41% to 70% of patients with the condition^5,6.

Sleep health and the challenge of weight loss

“When patients come to see me, they often know that weight plays some role with sleep apnea,” says Chris. “And it’s true that, for many patients, weight loss can reduce the severity of sleep apnea. But achieving that is where getting the right treatment and support matters.”

“I have patients — many of whom wind up working with Chris — who realize that their weight loss isn’t progressing because they’re not getting quality sleep,” Dafina adds. “When you aren’t sleeping well, your cortisol levels are higher, increasing your visceral fat. You tend to be more irritable; you may want to snack more and be less motivated to be active. Having an untreated sleep condition like OSA is going to be a major barrier to managing your weight in a healthy way.”

Research has shown that the relationship between OSA and weight can be reciprocal with some studies showing that obesity increases the risks of developing OSA, but also that treating OSA may help spur weight loss⁷.

Chris relies on positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy, using a device such as ResMed CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines as the first line treatment for OSA. CPAP uses airflow to keep the airways open during sleep, and provides relief from the symptoms of OSA, which can make it easier to make the lifestyle changes needed to address obesity concerns, according to Chris.

“Sleep apnea can be overwhelming, but once a patient begins using CPAP, they often start to notice a difference,” adds Chris. “That extra energy from proper sleep may help kickstart healthier lifestyle choices. When we work with patients on sleep health issues and start to educate them about how weight may affect those conditions, they are in a better spot to adhere to treatment plans and achieve better health outcomes.”

“Simply starting the conversation is a critical part of a health journey, and with the addition of GLP-1 medications as a tool for weight management, we are seeing more people interested in engaging their doctors about weight and health in general,” Dafina adds. “As part of that, I’ve heard many more questions about sleep health. Sleep is such a critical piece of the weight loss puzzle. If a patient isn’t sleeping well, it’s going to be harder to follow a plan that requires them to change how they eat and increase their activity level, even with the help of new medications.”

Healthy weight management and successful OSA treatment

“We’ve been prescribing these medications for diabetes for some time, and with more people being prescribed GLP-1s for obesity, we’re constantly increasing what we know about how effective they are and the role they can play in healthy weight management,” adds Dafina.

While weight loss can reduce the severity of sleep apnea, her husband chimes in that it’s important to keep your healthcare professional involved in your sleep health decisions even if you have lost significant weight and feel less tired during the day.

“I’d usually want to do a sleep study to determine the impact of the weight loss on the sleep apnea before making any changes to treatment,” he says. “But we also want to make sure that if you are using one of these new medications that the weight you’ve lost remains or continues to improve once you come off the medication. If it goes back up, you are at risk of your sleep apnea getting worse once again, so we want to see people making long-term sustainable changes and make sure they stay vigilant if anything changes regarding their sleep health.”

Sleep apnea: Are you at risk?

“The hardest part of my job is that I have to talk to patients about things that happen when they’re unconscious,” adds Chris. “Many people don’t know that they have a sleep disorder and so it’s important to know your risk factors. If you have a bed partner, rely on them to let you know if you’re snoring or gasping for air at night, because that is a common sign of sleep apnea.”

For people who sleep alone, other signs that may indicate OSA include waking up frequently during the night or waking up with headaches. Diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea requires talking to a health professional, but signs and symptoms include feeling tired during the day, snoring loudly at night, waking in the middle of the night gasping for air, having a body mass index over 30, or history of high blood pressure⁸.

It’s estimated that up to 80% of adults with sleep apnea are undiagnosed and untreated, so knowing your risk factors and having a conversation with your doctor is critical⁹.

To learn more about the risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea and to find out how to talk to your healthcare professional about them, take a look at the sleep resource page at resmed.com.

2024-07-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – According to a 2024 survey from HireAHelper, family was the number one reason older adults and retirees moved to a new location. Moving closer to family is an exciting and happy time, though navigating new neighborhoods, meeting new people and getting into a different routine can be a little intimidating. Fortunately, having your kids and grandkids close by can be a tremendous help in finding your footing. Plus, by using your AARP member benefits, which can be accessed anywhere, you can help make the transition even easier.

“The goal of moving closer to family is to feel safe and content, and AARP members can enjoy their relaunch closer to family while saving on everyday expenses,” said Jason Mugg, AARP Services Senior Vice President of Lifestyle. “From savings on food delivery services, to home security and phone lines, your member benefits may give you access to products and services to ease the stress of moving.”

1. Staying in Touch

While moving closer to family is an exciting time, it can also be hard to leave behind your community. As you work to build a new one, keep those ties and stay in touch with old friends, easily and affordably.

AARP member benefits have the savings you need to stay connected. Members save 5% on monthly service and usage charges with Consumer Cellular and 30% on accessories, with talk, text and data plans starting at $20 per month per line. If you need unlimited access, members can open two lines of unlimited talk, text and data for $55 per month. No contract is required and it includes free activation and an extended, 45-day risk-free guarantee.

2. Making the Big Move

Do you ever look at your furniture and wonder how you’d ever move it all? Well, for those who are relocating, it all starts with renting a truck that is big enough to fit your furniture and making sure it all arrives at your new home safely. While some rental trucks can be expensive, AARP member benefits can help knock the price down.

With Budget Truck Rentals, members can save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals on Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, plus receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver.

3. Find Your Healthcare Providers

Having family close by has many benefits, especially if they’ve been part of your new community for a while. They can be a great resource for finding some new healthcare providers, like a dentist, for example. Regular visits to the dentist brighten your smile, but they can also monitor and prevent disease, so it’s a good idea to find one quickly to maintain good oral health. AARP members have access to information on dental insurance options for a variety of budgets and needs, so you can make sure your family’s recommendations are right for you.

When it comes to finding physicians who specialize in older adults, though, younger family members might not be in the loop. In those situations, finding a local physician who is part of a nationwide network can be a huge help. Oak Street Health provides primary care for adults on Medicare, focusing on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. AARP members and non-members can visit the Oak Street Health website to find a doctor and schedule an appointment. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line.

Similarly, with AARP^® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare^® Hearing, members can receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. Members can save an average of $2,000 per pair on prescription hearing aids and 15% on accessories — no insurance needed!

You’ve worked hard to make sure that you have the financial security you want for you and your family. And, you’ve tried to prepare for the surprises that life may bring in the future. But even the most well-thought-out strategy may not be enough to prepare you for the unexpected costs associated with long-term care. Reviewing information on long-term care options can help you prepare for the future with customized solutions to help protect your assets and lifestyle.

4. Securing Your Home & Budget

The sooner you start feeling safe in your new neighborhood, the sooner it’ll feel like home. AARP members can take advantage of benefits to ensure safety all day long while saving money at the same time. Alexa Emergency Assist from Amazon provides access to 24/7 emergency assistance through any Echo device. Members save 25% off monthly and annual subscription plans. Alexa Emergency Assist offers hands-free access to Urgent Response agents, 24/7, by simply saying “Alexa, call for help.” Your emergency contacts will be alerted if you call Urgent Response and you will receive expedited help by pre-saving your critical information.

ADT™ Home Security can also keep you safe and sound while cozied up in your home. AARP members save 5% on monthly home security monitoring that covers your smart home security systems including intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and CO detection, and smart automation from video doorbells and security cameras to smart locks. This offer can also be combined with other ADT offers, for additional savings.

A new move takes adjustment, and a little extra cash, but by using your AARP member benefits you can appreciate the joy of being close to family.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your relaunch, please visit aarp.org/save.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

2024-07-11T08:33:00

(BPT) – Did you know there is an urgent need for nearly 800,000 skilled technicians to enter the American workforce by 2027 in order to meet demand? This pressing shortage has proven challenging to remedy, particularly due to the underrepresentation of diverse groups in skilled trades. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics finds that women are particularly underrepresented, accounting for less than 3% of employed technicians.

At the same time, students across the U.S. are questioning the value of a traditional four-year college education, fueling a 16% surge in enrollment for vocational training programs in the last year alone. Young Americans are exploring alternative career paths more than ever, yet the significant gender gap in automotive, diesel, collision repair, aviation and avionics fields — to name a few — remains.

The evidence shows that trade industries are at a crossroads. Luckily, a recent survey by California winery Rebellious Wines revealed that most Americans (55%) believe in breaking gender norms through their career choices, suggesting an exciting solution.

Rebellious Wines, in partnership with TechForce Foundation, has taken decisive action to empower a diverse workforce while also helping to fill the urgent skills gap, by creating the Rebellious Riveters Scholarship Program. This new scholarship aims to inspire individuals from all backgrounds to pursue successful careers in the skilled trades and provides more than financial aid; it opens doors for underrepresented students by empowering them to thrive in rewarding and essential careers.

“This scholarship champions the spirit of rebelling for good by empowering students from underrepresented populations to pursue careers in non-traditional fields,” said Bob DeRoose, president and CEO of Kobrand Corporation, the parent company of Rebellious Wines. “We’re committed to breaking barriers that have kept many people out of these lucrative careers. Their drive and determination will ultimately bridge the skills gap in today’s labor market, proving that the future of these industries will be both inclusive and rebellious.”

The Rebellious Riveters Scholarship Program is accepting applications now through August 2024. Scholarships will be available for eligible students enrolled in any post-secondary technician program across the U.S.

To learn more about how you or students in your communities can become trailblazers and pursue these vital career paths, visit RebelliousWine.com/rebelliousriveters.

2024-07-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you preparing to send your student off to college next semester? As you collaborate on a Back-To-College checklist, make sure to add insurance shopping.

If you haven’t considered any type of insurance for your college-bound student, the time to do so is now! To protect your peace of mind and their academic journey, consider the following types of insurance policies.

1. Health insurance

Whether your student gets a run-of-the-mill cold or experiences a medical emergency, you’ll want to make sure they’re covered. Per federal law, they can stay on your health insurance plan until age 26. However, your plan may not provide coverage if your student attends school out of state.

Check to make sure your health insurance provides adequate coverage. If not, you should consider a student health insurance policy. No matter which plan you choose, make sure you aren’t billed twice, as some schools automatically bill for health insurance.

2. Tuition insurance

No one wants to think about their child withdrawing from school, but it may happen, and not just because of a physical illness. According to a 2024 study, 64% of students currently enrolled in higher education considered withdrawing because of emotional stress or mental health concerns.

If your student withdraws from school, getting a tuition refund can be incredibly difficult. Most colleges only offer tuition refunds within the first few weeks of the term, and virtually none provide any refunds for housing or fees. Luckily, you can safeguard your investment in your student’s education with tuition insurance.

Tuition insurance plans can provide reimbursement for a variety of expenses, including tuition, housing and academic fees. GradGuard’s plans can provide reimbursement when a student needs to withdraw from the covered academic term due to an unforeseen, covered accident, injury or other covered reason.*

3. Travel insurance

Is your child planning to travel during the holidays or study abroad next semester? Then you’ll need to protect them with travel insurance.

Travel insurance is often overlooked but is an important form of coverage for college students. Whether your student has to cancel a trip, loses their luggage, has a medical emergency or experiences other travel-related risks, travel insurance has you covered.

4. Auto insurance

If your student plans to have a car on campus, they’re legally required to have car insurance. You could keep your child on your auto insurance family policy, but it’s wise to compare rates. In fact, there are auto insurance policies tailored to the needs of college students that could save them (and you) money.

When shopping for student auto insurance, look for plans that offer student discounts. GradGuard can help you find car insurance policies that offer good student discounts and automatically compare rates before your renewal.

5. Renters insurance

Beyond tuition, room and board and other school fees, you and your student may also invest in belongings like cell phones, laptops, clothing, bikes and other expensive items. Can you afford to replace them if they become damaged, destroyed or stolen?

Whether your student plans to live in an on-campus residence hall or in off-campus housing, make sure they’re protected with renters insurance. Not only can renters insurance cover property damage from burst pipes and other household problems, but it can also help replace expensive items.

Choose a policy like GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance. With the option for monthly or annual policies and flexible deductibles starting at $100, you can provide your student with personal liability and worldwide property coverage. Best of all, no credit score is needed and filing a claim won’t raise your premium.

Secure your student’s future and protect your peace of mind. By considering these five types of insurance plans, you can help your student focus on their education and personal growth without worrying about the potential financial loss that can come with unexpected risks.

*Terms, conditions, and exclusions (including for pre-existing conditions) apply. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Insurance benefits are underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company. Grad Guard, a service of Next Generation Insurance Group, LLC (NGI), is the licensed agent for all insurance programs. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Non-insurance benefits/services, and claims administration, are provided by AGA Service Company.

2024-07-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Five years ago, in the prime of her fitness career, longtime Peloton instructor Hannah Corbin was teaching several classes a week and never running short on energy. Always having maintained a healthy lifestyle — formerly as a professional dancer, an aerial artist and now as a fitness instructor — Hannah was surprised when she began experiencing extreme exhaustion. Soon she was only able to stay awake for four hours before needing a nap, even after sleeping 10 to 12 hours the night before. Hannah’s exhaustion became so severe that she would fall asleep in odd places like the New York City subway, and for the first time, she had to start pulling back from work.

Over the next two years, Hannah visited countless doctors, only to be told her exhaustion was likely due to her physically demanding job and that her weight gain wasn’t “enough” to cause concern. Eventually, Hannah took matters into her own hands, trying different fitness regimens and eating plans, with little success. Then, following an alarming blood test result and discovery of her family’s thyroid disease history, Hannah was immediately referred to an endocrinologist. During that consultation, Hannah’s endocrinologist found her thyroid was severely under functioning and she was merely a month away from slipping into a thyroid coma.

Jarring, but finally an answer. Hannah was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease — an autoimmune condition and the most common form of hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid disorder. Hannah’s thyroid was producing very low levels of thyroid hormone, causing her energy and metabolism to slow down.

An Eye-Catching Surprise

Many people don’t know living with a thyroid condition may also put you at a higher risk of developing other conditions, like Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a separate but related autoimmune condition that requires separate care.

Symptoms of TED can vary and include:

• Eye bulging, double vision, eye pain, redness, and even vision loss in some cases.

TED can also have a profound effect on people’s emotional well-being and ability to partake in daily activities like reading, driving and working.

While everyone with a thyroid condition is at risk, that risk increases if you live with Graves’ disease — which is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. In fact, up to 50% of people with Graves’ disease may develop TED and women are also 5x more likely to develop TED than men.

“Now that I know my risks for TED, I’m watching my eyes closely, so I don’t take any chances,” Hannah said. “Like I always say, treat your body like it belongs to someone you love.”

Taking “Autoimmune” to “Auto-Amazing”

With Hashimoto’s under control, Hannah was able to resume her busy, energetic routine. But today, five years since her diagnosis, she’s keeping her eyes on something new.

“At first, I felt my body had let me down, but I decided to flip the script and to reframe ‘autoimmune’ as ‘auto-amazing,’ in my own mind,” Hannah said. “Now, I choose to focus on all the things my body CAN do.”

Today, five years after her diagnosis, Hannah feels more like herself. When she’s not coaching, leading Peloton enthusiasts through high energy workouts or working out for fun, she’s encouraging others with autoimmune conditions to keep finding their strength to press forward, despite their diagnosis. Amid several new projects, Hannah’s also sharing what she’s learned through her own health journey to help others.

Finding the Right Care Team

If you have a thyroid condition like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease and notice any changes in your eyes — like eye bulging, eye pain or double vision — schedule an eye exam with a TED Eye Specialist. Not all eye doctors have experience diagnosing and managing TED. That’s why it’s important to see an oculoplastic surgeon or neuro-ophthalmologist. To learn more about TED and to find a TED Eye Specialist near you, visit TEDAwareness.com.

2024-07-09T08:05:00

(BPT) – Just when you thought you knew all the fruits in the produce section, you’re in for a delightful treat. One kiwi variety may have slipped under your radar, but it’s about to become your next obsession: Zespri™ SunGold™ Kiwi.

It took 10 years of passion and care to perfect this much sweeter, less fuzzy gold variety of kiwi, but it will take you 10 seconds to fall in love with it. Ideal for summer snacking, and in both sweet and savory recipes, this naturally sweet and juicy fruit will be your new favorite snack — just cut and scoop with a spoon to taste the obsession!

Zespri growers take a bold approach to growing kiwis, obsessing over them with passion and care to produce the highest quality fruit. Zespri is 100% owned by past and current growers and only does kiwifruit, focusing on producing the best-tasting fruit, rather than just the biggest fruit or yield. Best yet, they’re bursting with nutrients your body needs.

A nutrient-packed summer snack

How can something that tastes this good pack so much nutrition in one complete package? SunGold Kiwis are bursting with nutrients, providing over 20 vitamins and minerals¹ including vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin E and antioxidants.

They’re also known as one of the most nutritionally dense fruits.² In fact, you’ll get 100% of your daily vitamin C needs in just one fruit, boasting the highest vitamin C content among commonly eaten fruit³ with a nutritious, refreshing burst of unexpected sweetness.

Fun fact: You can even eat the skin, which is smooth and less fuzzy compared to green kiwi varieties. Eating the skin adds 50% more fiber, which is already 2 grams per serving (2 kiwifruit).⁴

Make summer sweeter

SunGold Kiwis make the perfect easy-to-eat snack for summer travel (think beach days, road trips and more). Simply cut in half and scoop with a spoon when you’re ready to eat, or just bite right in! You can slice them to enjoy on top of a breakfast bowl, add a pop of sweetness to a salad or level up your toast toppings. They’re also fantastic blended in smoothies or juices, or even diced up in fresh salsa for a sweet and salty snack.

Join the summer sorbet craze to refresh your palate

Get on board the social media sorbet trend with this easy-to-make, tangy-sweet and refreshing recipe to help keep you cool on those hot summer days.

Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit Simple Sorbet

Ingredients
10 Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit (about 1 1/2 cups when chopped)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions
1. Cut Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit in half, scoop out the inside, and add to blender.
2. Add remaining ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into a loaf pan. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to freeze.
4. When ready to eat, scoop sorbet using an ice cream scoop.

Visit Zespri.com/en-US/recipes for more kiwi recipe inspo!

How to ripen and store SunGold Kiwifruit

To check if your kiwis are ready, hold one in the palm of your hand and squeeze gently — it should yield to slight pressure. Not ripe yet? No problem. Simply leave the fruit out at room temperature to ripen. You can speed up the process by putting kiwifruit in a paper bag with a banana or apple, as the ethylene gas emitted by these fruits accelerates ripening. Once the kiwifruit is ripe, you can store it in the fridge.

These golden kiwis make the perfect healthy and sweet summer snack that adults and kids alike will love. You and your family are bound to enjoy this refreshing summer fruit, no matter how you choose to eat it!

Taste the obsession

This summer, you can learn about Zespri growers’ obsession with growing the best-tasting kiwis and taste the obsession yourself, as the iconic SunGold Kiwi is back in season and available at retailers nationwide.

Visit Zespri.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok to learn more.

[1] FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service website. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168211/nutrients. Updated March 2019. Accessed June 17, 2024.

[2] Richardson DP, Ansell J, Drummond LN. The nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit: a review. Eur J Nutr. 2018;57(8):2659-2676. doi:10.1007/s00394-018-1627-z

[3] Raw Fruits Poster. FDA website. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/raw-fruits-poster-text-version-accessible-version. Updated December 13, 2017. Accessed June 17, 2024.

[4] Can I Eat the Skin of Kiwifruit? https://www.zespri.com/en-US/blogdetail/can-i-eat-the-skin-of-kiwifruit. Accessed June 26, 2024.

2024-07-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – If your image of the perfect vacation involves slowing down and appreciating the moment, Atlantic Canada is your ideal destination. This latest travel trend — seeking respite from today’s busy lifestyles — expresses a yearning for peace and calm that’s hard to find.

Fortunately, inspiring locales throughout New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island provide experiences that are just right for your mindful getaway. Each of these four provinces offers a unique and stunning array of natural landscapes — ranging from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to lush forests, awe-inspiring fjords, beautiful waterfalls and amazing rock formations. The salty sea air and gorgeous scenery everywhere you look compels you to stop, take a deep breath and truly take in your surroundings.

The rich history of the people and wildlife that have called this region home also reveals an astounding ability to become one with the natural environment. Each province offers opportunities for mindfulness that draw on these unique landscapes and sensory experiences you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Here are just a handful of the many ways you can learn to slow down and embrace the moment in Atlantic Canada.

1. Have a whale of a time in New Brunswick

Whale watching on the Bay of Fundy is an incredibly memorable, humbling experience that makes your heart speed up and your mind and body slow down — and takes your breath away. Getting up close and personal to these gentle giants puts everything else into perspective.

The bay is home to several species of whales, including the rare North Atlantic Right Whale. Make sure to schedule your trip around whale-watching season, from late May until early October.

2. Feel the gravitational pull of the earth and moon at Hopewell Rocks

Looking for an awe-inspiring experience? The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world and the best place to experience this natural phenomenon is Hopewell Rocks, where the water level can have a differential of 50 feet from low to high tide — equal to a five-story building. The amount of water entering the bay during one tide change is enough to fill the Grand Canyon, twice.

You can walk the ocean floor at low tide and view the famous Flowerpot Rocks, sea cliffs and amazing rock formations. Then venture out for a guided sea kayaking tour at high tide in the same area you walked a few hours earlier. This unique place helps you slow down and appreciate the power and magic of natural forces.

Find these and other amazing adventures at TourismNewBrunswick.ca.

3. Explore ancient wisdom in Newfoundland and Labrador

Imagine gathering around the fire to discover Indigenous Mi’kmaq wisdom like the medicine wheel, an ancient holistic healing practice that can guide you to a better understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Through storytelling, you’ll learn about indigenous experiences and enjoy a tasting of fire-roasted bannock. In this Indigenous Medicine Wheel and Fire Circle Experience, you’ll explore ancient wisdom of the Mi’kmaq culture, learning how these teachings offer a holistic approach to well-being and discovering what life is like for indigenous peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

4. Let the power of nature transform you

Seeking a genuinely transformational experience? A seven-day nature retreat through Transform Gros Morne may be perfect for you. Nestled in the heart of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is a magical place unlike any other you have experienced. The geological mountainous wonder of the Tablelands reveals the Earth’s mantle, thrust to the surface through tectonic upheaval. Once you take a deep breath of the pristine salty air and hear the crash of the waves, you’ll begin to feel a sense of peace.

To discover a deeper connection with yourself, nature and others, you’ll immerse yourself in the power of nature to find new ways of seeing the world and yourself, creating powerful, lasting and impactful change in your life. You will see nature as vital to your health and well-being.

Discover many more magical experiences at NewfoundlandLabrador.com.

5. Revive your inner child in Nova Scotia

Yearning for the carefree days of childhood? Experience eco-friendly fun through Tidekite ReWIND Adventures in Nova Scotia, where you can be a free spirit, play, learn and create. Activities include:

• ReWIND Adventures: The only land sailing experience in Canada with Blokarts, where the power of the wind guides you across the beach.
• ZenAct: Experience an act of Zen via sand art, racing against the tide. This great outdoor activity for all ages inspires you to appreciate the moment.
• Tide walk: Stroll along the beautiful coast for a guided walk during low tide to explore and listen to the sounds of nature.
• Kite flying: Learn about kite history and global designs, then fly a kite from the largest collection of kites in Nova Scotia, including 140-foot kites, plus kites with diverse images, shapes and sizes.

6. Dig up some fun

You can dig up your next adventure as you learn about the rich heritage of clam digging in Nova Scotia with a Clam Harbour Clam Digging Adventure. You’ll accompany a fourth-generation professional clam digger to dig your own clams, then return to Memory Lane Heritage Village to cook up a “feed” of clams, along with a tasty traditional lumber camp meal.

Explore all the fun possibilities at NovaScotia.com.

7. Walk your way to mindfulness on Prince Edward Island

Make the most of each present moment on this magical island by hiking or cycling your way around The Island Walk route along the ocean, much of the Confederation Trail, red dirt roads and quiet secondary roads throughout Prince Edward Island. The serene landscape will inspire meditative or invigorating long-distance walking adventures that you can experience at your own pace.

Because The Island Walk is not technically difficult, it offers options for everyone. You can complete the entire route, or tackle it in sections just right for you.

8. Immerse yourself in nature

Need a true change of pace? Experience the ultimate glamping adventure at Nature Space Resort, where luxury meets nature in authentic, cozy Mongolian yurts. Unwind as you enjoy the unique ambiance, plush beds, inviting seating areas and all the essentials for a relaxing stay. Nestled amidst the picturesque coastal landscape of Prince Edward Island’s North Shore, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience combining the comfort of modern amenities with the breathtaking beauty of natural surroundings.

You can further immerse yourself in nature through guided kayak tours showcasing the rich ecosystems and breathtaking scenery of the island, as well as hands-on learning experiences and unique culinary delights featuring the island’s fresh seafood.

Find your perfect getaway at TourismPEI.com.

Inspired to enjoy your next trip mindfully? Explore all the possibilities for your Atlantic Canada vacation at VisitAtlanticCanadaNow.com.

2024-07-02T12:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMax

Heading off to college is a major life milestone and an exciting first step toward adulthood. But as anyone who has already started this college process can attest to, a lot goes into preparing for that move. In addition to shopping for standard school supplies like backpacks, laptops and more, there’s also a new dorm room or apartment to outfit. Plus, there’s the added emotional stress of leaving home and starting a new journey, not to mention parents adjusting to an empty nest. Without some upfront planning, this important transitional period can dissolve into a stressful, hectic rush.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tips for taking the stress out of prepping for the big move.

Tip 1: Create a budget

Tuition and housing expenses are only the beginning. There are books, meals, school supplies, transportation costs, and of course, all of the new supplies needed for the dorm like twin XL bedding, storage, and more. It’s important to take all of these into account, set a budget that works for you, and agree to stick to it. One way to get more bang for your buck is to consider enrolling in free loyalty or rewards programs to take advantage of special promotions, instant pricing discounts and more. With a free Office Depot^® OfficeMax^® Rewards Program membership, for example, customers earn 2% back in rewards in store and online on supplies, furniture, technology and more.

Tip 2: Make a college checklist

Preparing well in advance puts you ahead of the game so that you don’t get caught in a last-minute scramble. Creating a clear checklist with everything you need will help guide your shopping process. Not sure what to add to your list? Office Depot OfficeMax has you covered. Browse their College Supplies section online for a huge selection of backpacks, tech, supplies, and more to get you ready for college. Plus, Office Depot OfficeMax has partnered with Dormify, the college experts, this back to school season to expand their dorm decor selection to make sure incoming college students can find everything they need (and want) for their college dorms in one place.

Tip 3: Know what to bring and what to leave at home

When making your list for dorm supplies, check with your college or dorm management to find out what items will be available to you and what you’re allowed — or not allowed — to bring. Do you need to bring your own desk? What about extras like a microwave or mini fridge? What’s the policy about TVs in your dorm room? By getting these questions answered before you shop, you can stick to your list so that you’re only buying what you need and stay on budget.

Tip 4: Make it a fun, bonding experience

This isn’t just any old shopping trip! Turn college shopping into a bonding experience for parents and college-bound students to do together! Parents can handle the essentials like computers, backpacks, tech supplies, and books. Incoming college students can be in charge of customizing their dorm room and personalizing their new space to feel like home. Select Office Depot OfficeMax stores now have stylish Dormify bedding, furniture, and decor that is specifically designed for small spaces like dorm rooms or off campus apartments. Browse an expanded product assortment on officedepot.com or find a store near you. From essentials like twin XL bedding and shower totes (trust us, you’ll need one for your new bathroom) to trending decor and smart storage solutions, you can find everything you need to create a comfortable and productive space. Planning and shopping together as you prepare for this next chapter is the perfect way to bond, create memories, and feel excited (not stressed!) about what’s next.

Tip 5: Find ways to simplify your move

Whether you’re going across the country or across town, moving into college is always a hassle, but now there are few hacks to make it easier. Instead of packing your car to the brim for a long drive or sorting through hectic shipping logistics, buy your items from Office Depot OfficeMax and have them shipped directly to the Office Depot store closest to your college campus where you can easily pick everything up on move-in day. Plus, if you forget anything on your initial order, you can take advantage of Office Depot’s 20-minute in-store and curbside pick-up and same day-delivery services.

Going off to college is a monumental time of transition for a student and their parents. In addition to everything needed for success at school, emotions are swirling. Planning ahead, setting a budget, creating a checklist, and making pick-up and shipping as convenient as possible will help reduce stress and make move-in day a breeze so you can focus on what really matters: celebrating this achievement together.

2024-07-01T12:31:00

(BPT) – Summer brings an abundance of fresh fruits to local markets, and competition can be fierce for a place in a shopper’s cart. When it comes to choosing a nourishing snack, bringing home sweet Northwest cherries is like bringing home the gold, every time.

As the eyes of the world turn to competitions in Paris, growers in the U.S. will be focusing on harvesting heaps of luscious sweet cherries from farms throughout the Northwest. Available fresh for a limited time during the summer months, these delectable fruits deliver fiber and essential vitamins and minerals — like vitamin C and potassium. Plus, they have lesser-known attributes that bring them to the top of the podium when it comes to keeping a body well fueled, rested and recovered.

1. Steady fuel when on-the-go

Despite their sweet taste (and name), sweet Northwest cherries are actually ranked among low glycemic index fruits, and their glycemic load is nominal. Like other fruits, sweet Northwest cherries have natural sugars, or carbohydrates, but what makes them stand out is that when those carbohydrates are converted into glucose by the body, it happens slowly. And that allows blood sugar levels to stay relatively steady, so consumers don’t experience sugar spikes followed by energy crashes.

2. Natural aid for sleep

Sweet Northwest cherries are a natural source of compounds that are critical to regulating sleep, including melatonin, serotonin and tryptophan. When present together, these three elements can help improve the quantity and quality of sleep. Just one serving, or about one cup, of sweet cherries about an hour before bedtime can aid a more restful night. Some studies show that consumers don’t just benefit from better sleep; they may also find that their mood and mental health improve.

3. Flavorful boost for exercise recovery

Sweet Northwest cherries can attribute their deep, dark color to pigments called anthocyanins. These and other phenolic compounds in cherries are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and research suggests that athletes who consume cherries experience improved recovery after workouts. Studies show that one serving after exercise has been linked to decreased muscle soreness and a quicker rebound in strength.

Sweet Northwest cherries for the win

Beyond their role in keeping bodies fueled, rested and recovered, sweet Northwest cherries can do much more in a balanced diet. Keeping fresh cherries on hand for snacking in summer can also help support the immune system, manage blood pressure and reduce inflammation.

Although the fresh cherry season is short, the benefits of this wholesome food can be accessed any time — drying, canning and freezing this fruit at its peak can preserve its goodness for year-round enjoyment.

More information about the many health benefits of sweet Northwest cherries can be found at nwcherries.com.